In a television episode of ER which aired on NBC in 2000, Carol Hathaway became aware of risky sexual behaviors that had led to a 14 year old girl having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and cervical cancer. Prior to finding this information out, Carol Hathaway had promised the patient that she would not tell anyone about whatever the patient discussed with her. But upon realizing the high risk of the girl’s behavior, Carol Hathaway came to find herself in a dilemma of whether or not to reveal how the girl had contracted the STD which led to her cancer because of the public health risks. Although maintaining confidentiality is a cornerstone of the nurse-patient relationship, there are instances wherein protection of the greater good must prevail. When Is It Ok to Break Confidentiality? Legal exceptions to the standard of practice that confidences must be kept, except with the patient’s consent or at the patient’s request to release it. An emergency in which keeping the confidence will harm the patient, or third parties are at serious risk for harm (e.g., STD, child or adult abuse), etc. A good practice is to advise patients about the limits of confidentiality rather than after disclosed sensitive information. This paper will look at the six-step process of ethical decision making to analysis the dilemma Hathaway encountered. According to Purtilo, the steps allow us to take the situation apart and look at it in a more organized, coolheaded way (Purtilo, 2011).
The Essay on Ideal Woman In Kincaid’s Short Story “Girl”
In an endeavor to define an ideal woman, we compare two Literature works which are the Kincaid’s short story “Girl” and Jane Martin’s play, “Rodeo”. Comparing these two works, we see two contrasting definitions of an ideal woman as they are brought out in different settings. In the Kincaid’s short story, “Girl”, we notice for instance that a girl should live a humble life that is respectful to all ...
Step 1 is to gather relevant information as much as possible. Then you are ready to proceed to the next step which is to identify the type of ethical problem you are facing. Step 3 is to use ethics theories or approaches to analyze the problem, the theories including utilitarianism and Deontology. Utilitarianism theory is focuses on the overall consequences, and Deontology is focuses on duty. The Greek word “deon” means duty or obligation. This terminology points to the central idea of non-consequentialism which says that if we have a duty or obligation to do something, then we are bound to do it regardless of the consequences, even the outcome may not be entirely desirable. As healthcare providers, it is our obligation and duty to respect our patients enough to respect their right to confidentiality. Breaches of confidentiality breaks that level of trust and respect that healthcare professionals work so hard to gain, that after that is broken, and it’s extremely difficulty to rebuild that trust and respect. Step 4 is to determine what we can do and also to explore the practical alternatives.
What options does Carol Hathaway have in trying to determine what to do? Often, it is a good idea to reach colleague whom you trust and you can share the situation without breaching the patient’s confidentiality. It is possible to go to extremes so that the best interests of the patient are lost in the process. However, it is not considered a breach of confidentiality if you share secret information with other health professionals involved in the patient’s care. In the article, an alternative option states, counseling and support should be given to Andrea, to help her inform her parents herself. Also, since there is no benefits to others in disclose Andrea’s diagnosis to the school, because HPV is not legally reportable STD. Thus, Hathaway should not do something that harm patient. In fact, Andrea attempted suicide after she finds out that the school knows about her situation. As mentioned in the article, Hathaway could inform the school that she has reason to believe that there are “sex parties” going on, without disclosing how she came to know this information. I think it is a good alternative way to help Andrea and make public aware at the same time. Step 5 is complete that action. The last step 6 is to evaluate the process and outcome (Purtilo, 2011).
The Essay on Health Care Information Terms
After you have defined each term in your own words, describe in 40 to 60 words the health care setting in which each term would be applied. Utilize a minimum of two research sources to support your claims—one from the University Library and the other from the textbook. Be sure to cite your sources in the References section consistent with APA guidelines. Term Definition How Used in Healthcare ...
It is important to evaluate what we have done and is it a desired outcome.
Protection of confidentiality is essential to the trusting relationship between health care providers and patients. According to American Nurses Association, “the use or disclosure of individually identifiable health information absent an individual’s informed consent should be prohibited. Exceptions should be permitted only if a person’s life is endangered, if there is a threat to the public, or if there is a compelling law enforcement need. In the case of such exceptions, information should be limited to the minimum amount necessary”. The idea of confidentiality in health care has ancient roots as a basic building block of trust between health professionals and patients. For instance, the Hippocratic Oath, written in the fourth century BC, says, “And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, as well as outside my profession…if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets” (Purtilo 202).
This tells healthcare professionals that it is their duty to keep the things that they hear and see about a person private and confidential.
As healthcare professionals, we must know that if confidentiality is breached, patients may be reluctant to disclose full information to any healthcare professional or even avoid seeking care. It is true that there are times as healthcare professionals that we are obligated by law to break confidentiality. In the story of the ER episode, Carol Hathaway has an obligation to notify the public health department of this situation, this is to protect the health of the community.
The Essay on Health Insurance and Managed Care
There are a myriad of issues that concern current federal health policies. These new issues emerged from a number of health policy agendas. Several issues are emerging as of late due to the notion that health care is usually perceived as prelude to issues concerning physical health problems. Federal health policies range from mental illnesses and physical therapy issues. The four central issues ...
